Barefoot in Paris: Easy French Food You Can Make at Home (U)

Ina Garten--author of the bestsellers The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, Barefoot Contessa Parties!, and Barefoot Contessa Family Style--has traveled widely to talk about her books, and her adoring fans always ask for the same thing: more sophisticated recipes that are simple enough to make every day. Ina has taken their cue and assembled a collection of easy recipes inspired by classic French favorites in BAREFOOT IN PARIS. Although she lives in New York, Ina admits that her heart belongs to Paris. After all, what's more enticing than sipping café au lait and nibbling a warm brioche at a sidewalk table along the bustling Saint Germain? Or strolling through the city's open-air markets in search of the perfect fromage for an easy weeknight soufflé? For Ina, these simple pleasures of Paris life translate into one cardinal rule of cooking: fresh, quality ingredients are the essence of good food. This is not elaborate haute cuisine à la Julia Child, but casual French fare that makes sense in American kitchens. As with her previous cookbooks, Ina's BAREFOOT IN PARIS features traditional dishes with a distinct brand of simple elegance. Her Raspberry Tart is made with a buttery shortbread crust that's just as delicious but far easier to prepare than a delicate pastry shell. She gives Mocha Mousse a kick of orange for more depth. The inspiration is undoubtedly French, but the downhome recipes like Zucchini Vichyssoise, Sweet Potato Gratin, and Vanilla Pound Cake are uniquely Ina. With brilliant color photos full of joie de vie, as well as menu suggestions for entertaining, an introduction to basic French cooking terms, and a source guide for locating specialty ingredients, BAREFOOT IN PARIS is the perfect addition to Ina's groundbreaking series of easy, elegant cookbooks for every occasion. The New York Times - Korby Kummer Why bother buying this? Because each recipe is completely persuasive -- this is food you know you'll enjoy cooking and eating, brought to its simplest essence. Garten is popular because she knows what home cooks will stand still for and because she makes everything attractive.